Dealer prices ??!

I am currently an '05 Hog Softail Std owner, but looking for something more sporty and liked the VFR - so, stopped by a local Honda dealership in central Ohio.

I had this encounter:

1. Told them I saw where a guy in Ohio on the net that got his black VFR '06 for $9,300 - which wasn't a joke. And in the thread didn't sound like he was lying.
2. They also said "no rides - liability reasons"
3. They had an 05 there - silver - didn't want silver.

We talk and look at their website online and she shows me the MSRP of 10,499 and I said, ok, but what's your best offer ?

So he goes and checks and comes back and shows me this:
$10,499 + prep $150 + shipped there $300

I said, where's your 'best price' - he said that's it. I said, $10,499 IS THE MSRP NOT SOMEONE'S BEST PRICE.

He said if I got a purchase order from another dealer with a lower price, they would match.
I said, we both know, another dealer won't give that out cause they know why I'd be wanting it in writing - and if I went to the trouble of getting a better price from another dealer, then I'd just buy from that dealer.

He said that was all he could do, but I could make them an offer and see what they could do (@#$%@% games).

I said "it's hard for me to make an offer on a bike I've never ridden that you don't allow test rides"
I then said I'll think about it and left.

I would never pay MSRP - Harley is the only ones that get away with that - and his argument is out the window as they have a brand new UNSOLD '05 that they already have dropped in price to $9,600.

 

If that's the best he could do and would not even negotiate, then I would go somewhere else. I am like you, I would want to ride it first and maybe I am wrong, but I don't know fo a dealer that won't give a test ride. I have no experience with Harley dealers, btw. Anyway, look for other dealers near you and go see what they have and what they want for a VFR. Make them an offer. The worst they can do is outright refuse it. Before I got my VFR, I was looking at a smaller bike than what I had, but it was new. I told them what I had to work with which was about $500 least than what was on the tag. I walked out. Good thing I did as I am sure I would not have ben happy with the smaller bike and, as it turns out, I had more $$$ to work with and stumble on the VFR. So I looked at it, they (private individual) were asking $2700 which was reasonable and I was willing to pay, but I offered $2500 for it. They said no and I said ok. I was prepared to pay the asking price, but I just had to see if they would come down a tad. When I got my Radian from an individual, he was asking $1400 I think and I talked him down to $1100 (it needed a clutch and some maintenance but the point is I made an offer and he accepted. Anyway, it never hurts to make an offer. They can say no, they can make a counter offer, and if oyu don't like their answer you can walk. If they want your business they should be willing to negotiate. They don't have to know that you aren't going to buy one somewhere else, they just have to think you will if you aren't satisfied with their price. You can even tell them, should they ask, you would rather buy locally instead of the next town but you will buy one, either from them or elsewhere.

Sorry for the novel and good luck in getting a VFR. :smile:

 

Try southernhonda.com I think its 8893.00 out the door for a non abs. Thats where I am going to get my next one from. They are located in chattenooga TN. You have to go and pick the bike up yourself, but to save that much it would be worth it. I also seen a dealer in Ohio on cycletrader.com for @ 9400.00 I think. Good luck.

 

Thanks - I am in a good position - still have a bike I can ride and I would go '05 but don't want silver or red - so I am willing to sit til fall or next spring to pick up a used 06 (or a new one that didn't sell) for cheaper.

It does upset me about Honda that the US gets black or white, while Europe gets those and the color I really want - the Candy Red. Then I thought I saw Japan gets it in a nice blue. Whats up with that ?! We the doormat or something.

 

I just bought my '06 non-abs for $11k, which was retail, but I didn't really wanna push too hard and I hadn't ridden in 3 weeks. That's too long for me. My bike is my only transportation. Love it to death, kinda mad at paying 2k more than I probably should have, but I love the bike. Preregrin, I gotta get your number again, so when I cruise up to SLO, we can go riding. How'd your bike come out?

 

Honda dealers have to figure out that they are'nt Harley dealers. For the most part, they can kiss my half-breed ass.

Negotiate. The worst they can say is no. They'll kiss your ass in February!

Don't be a lightweight (Like W.)

 

Call Lakehill Honda in Corinth, Mississippi or the Honda Dealer (Southern something or other) in Chattanooga if you want to buy one at dealer cost EVERY DAY. People go to these two dealers from all over the country. You can buy an '06 VFR for under 9K.

 

WOW! I am amazed at the price for a new 06 VFR...$8883 out the door in Chattanooga! Any advice on if I should keep my clean 2000 VFR with 5k miles or upgrade to the 06 model. I do like the black... I think I have the new bike bug and have been test riding Ducs, but my old VFR seems to ride better for me. What is the difference in ride from 06 to 00. I have heard conflicting stories...some say 00 is sportier and some say 06?

 

I'd keep the '00 model.

Some service costs for the VTEC I've heard are pretty expensive.